BBC Radio 2 is going to Ibiza (!)

It has long been a fixture for BBC Radio 1 to spend a weekend in Ibiza every summer.

20 years ago, in 1998 and an era of BBC largesse, virtually the entire radio station decamped to the White Isle. Zoe Ball just about made it on air to co-present her breakfast show after a night partying with her then future husband Norman Cook. Lisa I’Anson missed her Sunday lunchtime show after a night at the notorious Manumission Club and Motel (legend has it liquid acid was dropped in her eyes).

In news that may well make some readers feel a little old and a sign of how the island’s appeal is changing, BBC Radio 2 is to spend a weekend in Ibiza with Zoe Ball returning to the island alongside Gary Davies and Ana Matronic from Friday 29 June 2018. (BBC Media Centre)

On a slight tangent, in a sign of how much the island has changed the marmite W Hotel brand is due to open a property on the island next year. (Marriott)

The BBC’s Biggest Weekend

There’s no Glastonbury festival this year, so the BBC is stepping into the void with its “Biggest Weekend”

It features live music across four days from Friday 25 May to Monday 28 May 2018 from four locations: Belfast, Coventry, Perth and Swansea. In addition to coverage on BBC Radio’s 1, 2, 3 and 6 Music, there’s TV coverage on BBC2 and BBC4 across the weekend.

On a related note, the BBC has announced a new music discovery festival BBC Music Introducing LIVE at Tobacco Dock from Thursday 8 to Saturday 10 November 2018. (BBC Media Centre)

The Soft Power of The Royal Family

What more can be said of the Royal Wedding?

To give an indication of the soft power of The Royal Family abroad, in spite of the 5-8 hour time difference, the wedding secured an audience of 29 million across 15 networks in the United States. (Nielsen)

Netflix signs deal with Barack and Michelle Obama

Netflix has announced it has signed a deal with Barack and Michelle Obama to produce an as yet unspecified number of hours of content for the platform.

In a development that will absolutely rile President Trump, The Obamas have formed their own production company for the deal. It will encompass scripted and unscripted series, docu-series, documentaries and features. (Netflix)

The Grenfell Tower Inquiry

The inquiry into the Grenfell Tower tragedy began, yesterday Monday 21 May 2018.

It began with tributes to those whose lives were lost in the fire. The BBC has launched a podcast which will be published every day the inquiry sits with Eddie Mair and Sangita Myska. (BBC)

On a related note, the British Podcast Awards announced its winners across nearly 20 categories of podcasts last weekend. Griefcast won the award for best overall podcast. (British Podcast Awards)

Previous editions of the Travel Media & Technology Bulletin

Here are the latest editions of the Travel Media & Technology Bulletin: